London Mayor Sadiq Khan advocates for the cancellation of the arms fair in the city, coinciding with escalating violence in Gaza.

In the heart of London, the annual DSEI defence and security exhibition is set to take place at ExCel London from September 9-12. However, this year's event is shrouded in controversy, with Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, demanding its scrapping.

Khan's call comes in response to Israel's military campaign in Gaza, which has been ongoing for nearly two years. The Mayor argues that it is "inappropriate" for London to host such an event during this conflict.

In a statement, Khan stated, "London should not be used as a marketplace for those who wish to trade in weapons." His sentiments were echoed by local representatives in the defence industry, who accused Khan of ignoring local issues such as knife crime in the capital.

The UK government's stance on the matter is clear. No Israeli government delegation will be invited to attend DSEI UK 2025. This decision, according to reports, is a response to Israel's further escalation of its military operation in Gaza.

However, Israeli defence contractors will still be allowed to exhibit. This move has been met with criticism from Israel's Defence Ministry, which described the UK's decision as discriminatory and politically motivated.

The DSEI defence and security exhibition attracts military buyers and defence contractors from across the world. The event is a significant part of London's role as a global hub for the defence industry. However, Khan's call to axe DSEI highlights the sensitivities of hosting such events in a city defined by diversity and its refugee communities.

The Gaza conflict continues, and political divisions are deepening. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans to recognize a Palestinian state if Israel fails to agree to a ceasefire with Hamas and commit to a long-term peace deal.

Despite the controversy surrounding DSEI, there are no search results providing information on the British government's position regarding the participation of Israeli government representatives at DSEI UK 2025. As the event approaches, the debate over its appropriateness in London continues.